RECENTLY, there were a series of events that led to violence, mayhem, and chaos erupting along the East Coast of Demerara corridor.
Firstly, the people were protesting what they saw as the police’s sloth in providing justice for the death of Quindon Bacchus.
However, the situation took a turn for the worst with blocking of roads, burning tyres, and an enormous dose of fake news.
It turned out that a report by online new outfit Daily News led residents to believe that Bacchus’ alleged killer was set free by the police.
One would think that people would be much more trusting of the authorities and police to know better when handling such an emotive case.
One soon found out that the protestors were not. They chose to listen to the Daily News outfit that turned out to be false, leading to pandemonium.
This is, despite President Dr. Irfaan Ali telling them the report was false while pleading with them to come off the roads and allow the police to complete their investigation.
The Head of State promised residents that they would get justice, but by that time, a whispering campaign of alleged racial discrimination was already set in motion allegedly by persons on the opposing side of the political spectrum. This was the case although both the accused and victim were Afro-Guyanese.
The suspected action led to havoc and mayhem occurring along the East Coast Demerara corridor, where innocent Guyanese, mostly of Indian descent from Mon Repos, were robbed and beaten.
Firstly, it is believed largely that the protest that started at Golden Grove along the East Coast of Demerara was initially peaceful but mushroomed into an unlawful protest.
Also, it is felt that the protesters had no right to block and disrupt the smooth traffic flow or burn tyres in public places.
Like carrion crows, it is suspected that elements within the opposition used the opportunity to spread their political agenda against the PPP-Government.
Secondly, Opposition Parliamentarian Sherod Duncan should be hauled against the coals for his behaviour throughout a public broadcast on his social media, during which a man is heard threatening to assassinate the President.
Duncan, subsequent to the video, did not immediately seek to discipline the man or apologise to those viewing the broadcast live. His imprudence in public could be damaging to the coalition, so he should face the toughest sanction for this.
Thirdly, it is disappointing not to see certain civil society groups, interest groups, and Non-Governmental Organisations condemn this protest which turned illegal, violent, and anything but peaceful.
Where are their voices of condemnation?
Where is the solidarity with the Guyana Police Force, even partially?
Where is the widespread condemnation of the racists and political instigators?
So, one must assume it is alright to stay silent because the PPP administration is in power. Wrong is wrong! Right is right!
Fourthly, now that tensions and emotions seem to have quieted down, the authorities should focus their energies on building trust and confidence in the Guyana Police Force.
President Ali and his ministers must carefully relook at the police force’s handling of the East Coast Demerara unrests to stop any recurrence in the future.
The President has to mandate that justice is not only done but is seen to be done by all parties concerned. He must be aware that the opposition is seemingly thirsty for the Guyana Police Force to fail in their bid to serve and protect Guyanese of all racial and political backgrounds. He must not let them succeed in their quest to make Guyana ungovernable and regress.
Finally, Guyanese are way better than this! Guyanese have always been able to show unity and oneness when it matters.
The path to realizing the dream of ‘One Guyana’ may have gotten a bit harder, but Guyana will rise to the occasion. Guyanese can and must resist the attempt to sow seeds of disharmony, political and racial divisions. The time is now for all of Guyana to stand up in unity as one.